Was ranked No. 16 surfer in the world at the time of his death.
In 2009 Andy withdrew from doing the full ASP World Tour season for personal reasons, though he did participate in a few events. He requested a wildcard entry for the 2010 ASP World Tour season and was granted this by ASP President Wayne Bartholomew so Andy did not have to re-qualify in 2010 via the World Qualifying Series (WQS). Andy won the Billabong Pro Tahiti 2010.
Billabong produced an "Andy Irons" line of board shorts.
His younger brother, Bruce Irons, is a former competitor on the World Championship Tour of Surfing (WCT). During his childhood Andy regularly lost to Bruce in contests, but that changed once he entered the World Championship Tour.
He and his family hosted the Annual Irons Brothers Pinetrees Classic, a contest for youngsters. The governor of Hawaii declared February 13 forever 'Andy Irons Day'.